It’s a subjective question and is bound to draw out multiple opinions, but Vietnam offers one of the kindest cultures, writes Cath Johnsen.

She visited Bui Vien Walking Street after sunset in Ho Chi Minh City. “When I turn to grin at my new friend, he meets my gaze and, without any hint of romantic overture, says, “Your smile is very beauty”. That a young man would take the time to give a middle-aged woman such a warm and genuine compliment; to notice the small details of humanity amongst the raucous surroundings, made it feel like one of the kindest things anyone had ever said to me,” according to Johnsen.

“Vietnam places a strong cultural value on offering mutual assistance, known as tinh thần tương thân tương ái (the spirit of mutual love and support). This principle is deeply embedded in Vietnamese society, where people often go out of their way to help strangers, whether it’s offering directions or assisting after natural disasters,” she said.

“Of course, I’m not naive. Vietnam is not some kind of utopia. The impoverished still suffer,” Johnsen went on, saying she hopes and prays that Vietnam’s spirit of mutual love and support would be wide enough to embrace vulnerable humans.